US8949907B2 - Method and system for providing a home cable network - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods and systems for cross-protocol time synchronization may comprise, for example, in a premises-based network, receiving, by a root node network controller in the premises, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol. The bridged signals may be communicated to one or more networked devices within the premises-based wired network, where only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be concurrently communicated in at least two frequencies, a first in a frequency range of the first communications protocol and a second in a frequency range of the second communications protocol, the frequency range used by the first communications protocol being different from and not overlapping with the frequency range used by the second communications protocol.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/301,409 filed on Nov. 29, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communication networks. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for providing a home cable network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although computer networks have been in existence for decades, they only recently became commonplace in homes. Wired networks over various types of wire and cable as well as wireless networks over consumer wireless routers have been developed for use in residential applications.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and/or method for providing a premises-based wired network (e.g., a home cable network), substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary dwelling-based network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary dwelling-based network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating network frequency spectra, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary root node network controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating an exemplary premises-based wired network with multiple-service provider capability, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in providing a home cable network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in providing a home cable network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system for providing a home cable network. Exemplary aspects of the invention may comprise receiving by a root node network controller in a premises-based wired network, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol and communicated to one or more networked devices comprising a television set top box downstream from the root node device within the premises-based network, where only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be communicated over the premises-based wired network. The first communications protocol signals may, for example, comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) signals, cable television signals, satellite television signals, fiber-to-the-home signals, and/or digital subscriber (DSL) signals. The second communications protocol may, for example, comprise a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard, an Ethernet protocol, or a power line communications protocol. The premises-based wired network may, for example, comprise coaxial cables. The bridged signals may, for example, be communicated to one or more networked devices at a frequency that is independent of the one or more first communications protocols. The frequency may be configured utilizing the root node network controller.

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary dwelling-based network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1A, there is shown a dwelling-basedwired network100 spanning a plurality of rooms in the dwelling, where each one may have one or more networked devices. There is also shown Multimedia over Cable Alliance (MoCA)devices101A-101D, aroot node device102, high-definition televisions (HDTVs)103A-103D, agame console105, an N:1splitter109, apersonal computer111,coaxial cables107, and aninput signal110. Theinput signal110 may be provided by a cable head-end, a fiber-to-the-home service, digital subscriber line (DSL) service, or a satellite signal source, for example. The MoCAdevices101A-101D are, for example, downstream from theroot node102 in the premises-based wired network (e.g., “downstream” meaning from theroot node102 toward the leaf nodes of the premises-based wired network, and “upstream” meaning from the leaf modes of the premises-based wired network toward theroot note device102, or toward the head end outside of the premises). Though only a single N:1splitter109 is illustrated inFIG. 1A, the network may comprise a plurality of splitters in the home, for example all downstream from theroot node device102.

The MoCAdevices101A-101D (or general MoCA devices) may comprise network devices that enable a secure wired network utilizing thecoaxial cables107 in the dwellingwired network100. The MoCAdevices101A-101D may, for example, be stand-alone apparatus or may be incorporated in other devices (e.g., televisions, PVR, STBs, PCs, network attached storage (NAS) devices, etc.). The MoCAdevices101A-101D may operate under the MoCA 1.x or 2.x specification, for example, and may communicate signals between devices in both the 1-2 GHz frequency range when operating with a cable TV signal or ˜400-900 MHz when operating with a satellite TV signal. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the MoCAdevices101A-101D may receive MoCA signals from theroot node device102 in any frequency range supported by thecoaxial cables107. Other communication protocols may be utilized on the samecoaxial cables107.

Theroot node device102 may comprise a network controller in the wired network, coordinating the wired network communications as per the MoCA standard. Theroot node device102 may comprise a device comprising a MoCA network controller system-on-chip (SoC), or may comprise a SoC itself. Theroot node device102 may also comprise some wireless capability and as such may configure wireless network communications via a wireless network protocol, such as 802.11x (i.e., any one or more of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, etc.). Theroot node102 may receive signals from a head end, and accordingly may be operable to receive cable, satellite, digital subscriber line (DSL), fiber optic, or other communications protocols utilized by service providers to provide services to the dwelling.

Theroot node device102 may comprise one or more bridges for converting the received signals to a MoCA signal, and therefore, the signals communicated in the dwelling-basedwired network100 may comprise MoCA signals only, so that theroot node device102 may utilize the entire spectrum supported by thecoaxial cables107 when communicating to the MoCAdevices101A-101D, the HDTVS103A-103D, thegame console105, and/or the PC111. Note that in various other exemplary networks, portions of the spectrum (e.g., portions of the spectrum that are generally not utilized for MoCA communication) may be allocated for other uses.

In another exemplary scenario, one or more of the MoCAdevices101A-101D may also comprise a network controller in the wired network, coordinating the wired network communications as per the MoCA standard. For example, one of the MoCAdevices101A-101D may operate as a backup MoCA network controller. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the MoCAdevices101A-101D may be operable to provide a WLAN network.

Cable television signals, including data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) signals, may be communicated in the 50 MHz to 1 GHz range, for example. The cable range generally has about 150 6-MHz TV channels, some of which are allocated to DOCSIS, some to digital television, and some to analog television. DOCSIS based communication may, for example, be used to provide Internet access to the cable subscriber.

The MoCAdevices101A-101D may be operable to provide wireless network access to devices within the dwelling. Exemplary wireless networks may comprise wireless local area networks (WLANs) that conform to an IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a, b, g, n, and ac) protocol, femtocells, Bluetooth, ZigBee networks, or any other non-public networks.

Under the MoCA standard, orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) enables multiple nodes to simultaneously transmit PHY-frames, each utilizing only a subset of subcarriers. The network controller pre-allocates the OFDMA subcarrier subset to nodes on a mutually exclusive basis, with each OFDMA PHY frame containing reservation requests destined solely for the network controller. The requesting nodes are to synchronize their subcarriers to those of the network controller, adjust their transmissions to ensure simultaneous time-of-arrival at the network controller, and adjust the amplitude of their transmissions as specified by the network controller. If these elements are met, the network controller receives a PHY frame with a payload bitstream that is demultiplexed to recover and forward-error-correction (FEC)-decode each individually transmitted reservation request.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a network architecture that comprises a full-band D3/Video SoC, theroot node device102 may be operable to isolate the dwelling-basedwired network100 from the street by residing at the root node, rather than after the N:1splitter109. In this manner, only MoCA signals may be communicated over the dwelling-basedwired network100 and there are thus no interference issues since theroot node device102 may coordinate the frequency of all signals being communicated over thecoaxial cable107. For example, theroot node102 may receive cable television signals, which may be in the 50 MHz-1 GHz range, and generate MoCA IP packets and communicate the resulting signals over any frequency within the available spectrum provided by thecoaxial cables107. This frees the entire home cable frequency band for MoCA transmission. In other words, there may be no frequency spectrum inside the home that is specifically set aside for cable transmission, or for any other received signals.

In a conventional dwelling-based cable system, set-top boxes are located after the splitter, such as the N:1splitter109, so that the entire network receives the input signal provided by the service provider. Thus, a large portion of available spectrum is dedicated to a particular protocol, whether it is being used or not.

However, by converting received signals to MoCA at theroot node device102, only MoCA signals are communicated within the dwelling-basedwired network100, and only theroot node device102 communicates with outside service provider networks, such as cable TV, DOCSIS, satellite, DSL, or fiber-to-the-home networks, for example. Thus, instead of being limited to a particular band outside of a service provider frequency band, the MoCA communications over the dwelling-basedwired network100 has access to the entire frequency range supported by thecoaxial cables107. This is illustrated further with respect toFIG. 2A.

FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary dwelling-based network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 1B, there is shown a dwelling-basedwired network120 spanning a plurality of rooms in the dwelling, where each one may have one or more networked devices. There is also shownnode devices111A-111D, theroot node device102, the high-definition televisions (HDTVs)103A-103D, thegame console105, ahub119, thepersonal computer111,nodes111A-111D,network lines117, and aninput signal110. Theinput signal110 may be provided by a cable head-end, a fiber-to-the-home service, digital subscriber line (DSL) service, or a satellite signal source, for example.

Thewired network120 is an alternative embodiment to thewired network100 described with respect toFIG. 1A. Accordingly, thewired network120 may comprise an Ethernet network, with thenetwork lines117 comprising Cat 5, 6, or 7 Ethernet cables, for example. Similarly, thehub119 may comprise an Ethernet hub for providing a plurality of lines for thewired network120 from a single input line carrying thesecond protocol signal122.

Thenodes111A-111D may comprise Ethernet nodes for receiving Ethernet packets and bridging to appropriate signals for target devices. For example, thenodes111A-111D may receive Ethernet packets and generate video and audio signals to be communicated to the HDTV's103A-103D.

In another exemplary scenario, thewired network120 may comprise a power line communications network where the network communications may be transmitted over existing power lines in the dwelling. Accordingly, thehub119 may be an optional component in instances where theroot node device102 communicates to a plurality of devices, such as thenodes111A-111D, over the power lines.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating network frequency spectra, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2A, there is shown an upper frequency spectrum showing a satellite TV band and associated MoCA frequency band, and a lower spectrum showing a cable/DOCSIS frequency band and its associated MoCA frequency band.

In a conventional dwelling-based network, the cable or satellite signal is communicated throughout the network, thereby reserving that frequency band for these communications. However, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the service provider signal or signals, may be received by a MoCA root node device, such as theroot node device102 described with respect toFIG. 1A, and converted to MoCA signals to be communicated over the dwelling-basedwired network100. Theroot node device102 may therefore only communicate satellite/cable/DOCSIS/etc. with networks/devices external to the dwelling-basedwired network100. Thus, the entire spectrum supported by the coaxial cables may be available to the MoCA network in the dwelling. Accordingly, theroot node device102 may receive cable television signals in the 900 MHz range, for example, and may communicate the resulting MoCA signals in the 500 MHz range if it determines that this frequency is preferred over the 1.15-2.15 GHz range. Frequency selection may be based on the quality of communications in a particular frequency range, which may be determined by a signal strength, a signal-to-noise ratio, and/or a bit error rate, for example.

In addition, theroot node device102 may enable more flexibility in MoCA devices within the dwelling. For example, if a dwelling previously had cable television service and the associated MoCA devices for cable television service, and the dwelling then switched to satellite television, the MoCA devices would normally not be able to function, since the MoCA bands for cable and satellite are different. However, theroot node device102 may enable the use of these MoCA devices no matter for which type of service provider signal they were intended.

Accordingly, theroot node device102 could receive the newly subscribed satellite signals and communicate the resulting MoCA signals over the normal cable television MoCA channels supported by the legacy MoCA devices, thereby enabling the user to continue to use their cable TV-specific MoCA devices despite currently being a satellite television subscriber. Since theroot node device102 may determine what frequency band is used within the dwelling-basedwired network100, the service provider communications protocol signals do not affect devices within the dwelling.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary rootnode network controller200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2B, there is shownMoCA nodes213A-213C, a N:1splitter209, and aroot node device200 comprising aprocessor201, amemory203,bridge modules205A-205D, and aMoCA PHY211. Theroot node device200 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with theroot node device102 discussed previously with regard toFIG. 1.

Theprocessor201 may be operable to control the operation of theroot node device200. For example, theprocessor201 may configure thebridge modules205A-205D to receive various communications protocol signals and to generate output signals for packetization and further processing in theMoCA PHY211, and/or may configure MoCA channels to be utilized by theMoCA PHY211. In another embodiment of the invention, theprocessor201 may be utilized to update and/or modify programmable parameters and/or values in a plurality of components, devices, and/or processing elements. At least a portion of the programmable parameters may be stored in thememory203. In yet another embodiment, theprocessor201 may implement any one or more of thebridge modules205A-205D.

Thebridge modules205A-205D may comprise aDOCSIS bridge module205A, cabletelevision bridge module205B, satellitetelevision bridge module205C, and otherprotocol bridge module205D. In an exemplary scenario, the otherprotocol bridge module205D may be operable to receive optical signals from a fiber optic cable and convert them to electrical signals that may be communicated via theMoCA PHY211. A bridge module may, for example, extract data and/or control information from packets received in accordance with a first protocol utilized external to a premises, and then load such information into packets in accordance with a second protocol for communication within the premises. Note that such repacketization may generally be bi-directional as needed.

TheMoCA PHY211 may be operable to communicate signals over coaxial cables, such as thecoaxial cables107, where the signals conform to the MoCA 1.x and/or 2.x standards, to one or more remote MoCA nodes, such as theMoCA nodes213A-213C. In an exemplary scenario, theMoCA PHY211 may communicate MoCA signals outside of the conventional MoCA frequency ranges since the entire frequency spectrum supported by the coaxial cables may be available, due to theroot node device200 isolating other protocol signals from the dwelling-based network.

TheMoCA PHY211 transmissions may be PHY frames scheduled in accordance with the Media Access Control (MAC) Layer specifications, and as such may comprise a PHY preamble and a PHY payload and may apply OFDM modulation. Theroot node device200 may schedule and broadcast specific start and stop times at which transmissions from each node begin and end, and may be communicated in response to reservation requests. TheMoCA PHY211 may be operable to communicate MoCA signals in any frequency band as configured by theprocessor201. In an exemplary scenario, theMoCA PHY211 may comprise a single transceiver that is operable to communicate over any frequency band that thecoaxial cables107 may support. In another exemplary scenario, theMoCA PHY211 may comprise a plurality of transceivers, each operable to communicate over a particular range of the frequency spectrum, such as the cable and satellite MoCA channels as shown inFIG. 2A.

TheMoCA nodes213A-213C may comprise generic MoCA devices, such as cable set top boxes with MoCA capability, for example, that may be controlled by theroot node device200. In an exemplary scenario, theMoCA nodes213A-213C may be operable to receive multimedia data via one or more MoCA channels, as configured by theroot node device200 and generate output video and audio signals to be displayed by an HDTV, for example.

In operation, theroot node device200 may direct network traffic to and from a particular device via any frequency range supported by the coaxial cables in the dwelling-basedwired network100. Theroot node device200 may configure the communications links between all other network nodes within the dwelling-basedwired network100.

In an exemplary scenario, theroot node device200 may receive a service provider signal or signals and convert them to MoCA signals that may be communicated to theMoCA nodes213A-213C. Theroot node device200 may therefore communicate satellite/cable/DOCSIS/etc. . . . signals with networks/devices external to the dwelling-basedwired network100, while exclusively communicating MoCA signals to devices within the dwelling-basedwired network100, such as theMoCA nodes213A-213C. Therefore, since no signals received from external systems or devices are communicated directly into the dwelling-basedwired network100, the entire spectrum provided by thecoaxial cables107 may be available to MoCA network communications (or, for example, to MoCA network communications combined with other premises-based protocol communications independent of signals external to the premises).

Accordingly, theroot node device200 may receive cable television signals in the 900 MHz range, for example, and may communicate the resulting MoCA signals in the 500 MHz range if it determines that this frequency is preferred over the 1.15-2.15 GHz range, normally assigned to MoCA networks incorporating cable TV signals. Frequency selection may be based on the quality of communications in a particular frequency range, which may be determined by a signal strength, a signal-to-noise ratio, and/or a bit error rate, for example.

In a fiber-to-the-home example, an optical signal may be received from a service provider via optical fibers coupled to theroot node device200. Alternatively, the optical signal may be converted to an electrical signal before being communicated to theroot node device200. Theother bridges module205D may convert the optical signals to electrical signals, and process the signals for packetization and other appropriate MoCA processing by theMoCA PHY211, before being communicated to theMoCA nodes213A-213C via the N:1splitter209.

The separation of MoCA protocol signals within the dwelling-basedwired network100 and other protocols on the external side of theroot node device200 may result in complete frequency spectrum availability within the dwelling-basedwired network100. Aliasing and other interference problems may thus be avoided by configuring the channel usage such that any aliasing will not cause interference, for example.

WhileFIG. 2B describes cable, satellite, fiber-to-the-home, MoCA, and DOCSIS, communications protocols, any network protocol may be applicable, where theroot node device200 has the capability to communicate via two or more communications protocols. The ability of the network controller to communicate using two or more protocols enables the exclusive communication of MoCA signals within the dwelling-basedwired network100 while still communicating via any other type of communications protocol with service providers.

FIG. 2C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary network device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2C, there is shown aroot node device200 and aMoCA node213D comprising aprocessor201A, amemory203A, aWLAN module205A and aMoCA PHY211A. Theprocessor201A, thememory203A, and theMoCA PHY211A may be substantially similar to theprocessor201, thememory203, and theMoCA PHY211 described with respect toFIG. 2A, but located within theMoCA node213D. TheMoCA node213D may, for example, share any or all characteristics with theMoCA Nodes213A-213C discussed previously with regard toFIG. 2B.

TheMoCA node213D may comprise a networked device such as a MoCA bridge, a set-top box, a personal computer, or a gaming device, and may be controlled (at least in part) by the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200. For example, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may configure the channel frequency to be utilized in communication of data between the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 and theMoCA node213D.

By separating MoCA protocol signals from the other communications protocol signals at theroot node device200, i.e., communicating with sources external to the dwelling in the appropriate protocol, but exclusively communicating MoCA signals within the dwelling, more flexibility may be obtained for MoCA devices within the dwelling. This is described further with respect toFIG. 2D.

FIG. 2D is a diagram illustrating an exemplary premises-based wired network with multiple-service provider capability, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 2D, there is shown theroot node device200 and source 1-Ncompliant devices221A-221D. There is also shown a plurality of input signals, source 1-N, which may comprise signals provided by a plurality of different service providers. For example,source 1 may be provided by a cable television head end,source 2 may be provided by a satellite dish mounted to the dwelling,source 3 may comprise a DSL signal provided by a telecom provider, and source N may comprise an optical signal from a fiber-to-the-home provider.

Theroot node device200 may be operable to receive source signals from a plurality of providers delivered in compliance with various communications protocols and may then bridge the signals to one or more desired MoCA channels as required by the receiving devices. Theroot node device200 may therefore support the use of a plurality of MoCA devices irrespective of the communication protocol for which the devices were designed.

For example, if a dwelling previously had cable television service and associated MoCA devices for cable television service, such as thesource 1compliant device221A, and the dwelling then switched to satellite television and purchased or rented thesource 2compliant device221B, thesource 1compliant device221A would not normally be able to function, since the MoCA bands for cable and satellite are different. However, theroot node device200 may enable the use ofsource 1compliant device221A no matter which type of service provider signal they were intended for, because theroot node device200 may configure the MoCA signals at any frequency supported by the coaxial cables. Accordingly, theroot node device200 could receive the newly subscribed satellite signals and communicate the resulting MoCA signals over the normal cable television MoCA channels to thesource 1compliant device221A, thereby enabling the user to continue to use their cable TV-specific MoCA devices despite currently being a satellite television subscriber. Since theroot node device200 may determine what frequency band or bands are used within the dwelling-basedwired network100, the service provider communications protocol signals do not affect devices within the dwelling.

Theroot node device200 may be operable to determine in which MoCA channels the source 1-Ncompliant devices221A-221D are intended to operate, and provide MoCA signals in the appropriate frequency range for each device. For example, if thesource 1compliant device221A is a cable television compliant device and thesource 2compliant device221B is a satellite television compliant device, theroot node device200 may communicate ˜1-2 GHz signals to thesource 1compliant device221A and ˜400-900 MHz signals to thesource 2compliant device221B.

Similarly, theroot node device200 may communicate over any frequency range a source 1-Ncompliant device221A-221D may operate that is supported by the coaxial cables in the dwelling-basedwired network100. Furthermore, theroot node200 may be operable to configure at which specific channel within the normal MoCA frequency range of the source 1-N compliant devices signals will be communicated. In this manner, interference of signals due to aliasing may be avoided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in providing a home cable network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The exemplary method illustrated inFIG. 3 may, for example, share any or all functional aspects discussed previously with regard toFIGS. 1A-2C. Referring toFIG. 3, afterstart step301, instep303, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may receive input signals from an external source such as a head end for example. The head end may comprise cable TV, satellite TV, DOCSIS, and/or fiber-to-the-home signals, for example.

Instep305, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may bridge the received signals to MoCA signals. Step305 may, for example and without limitation, share any or all functional aspects discussed previously (e.g., with regard toFIGS. 1A-2C).

In step307, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may configure the channel over which the MoCA signals are to be communicated via thecoaxial cables107. For example, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may configure MoCA signals to be communicated over a frequency range conventionally reserved for MoCA signals in a cable television system, despite being another type of signal, such as satellite television. Since only MoCA signals may, for example, be communicated over thecoaxial cables107, the input signal does not affect what frequency need be utilized.

Instep309, the MoCA data may be communicated to the receivingMoCA devices213A-213D, followed by end step, or the process may loop back to step303 if further communications are to occur.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary steps in providing a home cable network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The exemplary method illustrated inFIG. 4 may, for example, share any or all functional aspects discussed previously with regard toFIGS. 1A-3. Referring toFIG. 4, afterstart step401, instep403, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may receive signals comprising a non-MoCA protocol. The received signals may be cable TV, satellite TV, telecom (DSL), or optical (fiber-to-the-home), for example.

Instep405, the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 may bridge the received signals to MoCA protocol signals and configure a desired channel to communicate MoCA signals over thecoaxial cables107. Step405 may, for example and without limitation, share any or all functional aspects discussed previously (e.g., with regard toFIGS. 1A-3).

Instep407, the receiving node or nodes, theMoCA nodes213A-213D may receive the MoCA signals from the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200. The MoCA signals may be communicated in any frequency supported by thecoaxial cables107 and theMoCA nodes213A-213D, notwithstanding the signals received by the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 being intended for another protocol or frequency range not supported by theMoCA nodes213A-213D.

Instep409, theMoCA nodes213A-213D may communicate an acknowledgement or communicate other desired information back to the root node network controller withMoCA SoC200 for communication to the head end, such as in DOCSIS communication, for example, followed by end step, or the process may loop back to step403 if further communications are to occur.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method and system may comprise receiving by aroot node device102,200 in a premises-basedwired network100, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, where the signals may be received from sources external to the premises. The received signals may be bridged to conform to a second communications protocol and communicated to one or more networked devices (e.g., one or more ofnetwork devices101A-101D,103A-103D,105,111,213A-213D) comprising a television set top box downstream from the root node device within the premises-basedwired network100, where only signals conforming to the second communications protocol may be communicated over the premises-basedwired network100.

The first communications protocol signals may comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) signals, cable television signals, satellite television signals, fiber-to-the-home signals, and/or digital subscriber (DSL) signals. The second communications protocol may comprise a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard, an Ethernet protocol, or a power line communications protocol. The premises-based wired network may comprisecoaxial cables107. The bridged signals may be communicated to one or morenetworked devices101A-101D,103A-103D,105,111,213A-213D at a frequency that is independent of the one or more first communications protocols. The frequency may be configured utilizing the rootnode network controller102,200.

Other embodiments of the invention may provide a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium, and/or a non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as described herein for providing a home cable network.

Accordingly, aspects of the invention may be realized in hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. The invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware, software and firmware may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

One embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a board level product, as a single chip, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or with varying levels integrated on a single chip with other portions of the system as separate components. The degree of integration of the system may primarily be determined by speed and cost considerations. Because of the sophisticated nature of modern processors, it is possible to utilize a commercially available processor, which may be implemented external to an ASIC implementation of the present system. Alternatively, if the processor is available as an ASIC core or logic block, then the commercially available processor may be implemented as part of an ASIC device with various functions implemented as firmware.

The present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context may mean, for example, any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form. However, other meanings of computer program within the understanding of those skilled in the art are also contemplated by the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for communication, the method comprising:

in a premises-based network:

receiving, by a root node network controller in the premises, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, said signals received from sources external to said premises;

bridging said received signals to conform to a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol; and

communicating said bridged signals to one or more networked devices within said premises-based wired network, wherein only signals conforming to said second communications protocol are concurrently communicated in at least two frequencies, a first in a frequency range of the first communications protocol and a second in a frequency range of the second communications protocol, the frequency range used by the first communications protocol being different from and not overlapping with the frequency range used by the second communications protocol, over said premises-based wired network.

2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) signals.

3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise cable television signals.

4. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise satellite television signals.

5. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise fiber-to-the-home signals.

6. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise digital subscriber (DSL) signals.

7. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said second communications protocol comprises a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard, an Ethernet protocol, or a power line communications protocol.

8. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said premises-based wired network comprises coaxial cables.

9. The method according toclaim 1, comprising communicating said bridged signals to one or more networked devices at a frequency that is independent of said one or more first communications protocols.

10. The method according toclaim 9, comprising configuring said frequency utilizing said root node network controller.

11. A system for communication, the system comprising:

one or more circuits for use in a premises-based network, said one or more circuits being operable to:

receive, by a root node network controller in the premises, signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, said signals received from sources external to said premises;

bridge said received signals to conform to a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocols; and

communicate said bridged signals to one or more networked devices within said premises-based wired network, wherein only signals conforming to said second communications protocol are concurrently communicated in at least two frequencies, a first in a frequency range of the first communications protocol and a second in a frequency range of the second communications protocol, the frequency range used by the first communications protocol being different from and not overlapping with the frequency range used by the second communications protocol, over said premises-based wired network.

12. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) signals.

13. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise cable television signals.

14. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise satellite television signals.

15. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise fiber-to-the-home signals.

16. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said first communications protocol signals comprise digital subscriber (DSL) signals.

17. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said second communications protocol comprises a multimedia over cable alliance (MoCA) standard, an Ethernet protocol, or a power line communications protocol.

18. The system according toclaim 11, wherein said premises-based wired network comprises coaxial cables.

19. The system according toclaim 18, wherein said one or more circuits are operable to communicate said bridged signals to one or more networked devices at a frequency that is independent of said one or more first communications protocols.

20. A system for communication, the system comprising:

a root node network controller for a premises-based wired network and located within the premises, where said network controller is operable to, at least:

receive signals that conform to one or more first communications protocols, said signals received from sources external to said premises;

bridge said received signals to conform to a second communications protocol different from the first communications protocol; and

communicate said bridged signals to one or more networked devices within said premises-based wired network, wherein only signals conforming to said second communications protocol are communicated in at least two frequencies, a first in a frequency range used by the first communications protocol and a second in a frequency range used by the second communications protocol, the frequency range used by the first communications protocol being different from and not overlapping with the frequency range used by the second communications protocol, over said premises-based wired network.

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